Catcher in the Rye is a book in first person being narrated by a protagonist named Holden Caulfield who views the world around him in a limited way. The setting is only taken place throughout a 3 day time period in New York City with the author, J.D. Salinger capturing the mind of a troubled teenager dealing with the adult world of losing innocence and sexuality. J.D. Salinger uses very provocative language to express Holden’s thinking although when the reader first looks at it may take it offensive but if they think twice about it, they can see the connection and the message he is trying to deliver. Throughout the book, Holden shares many thoughts and perspectives about his surroundings which creates distraught and resentful atmosphere. Words are often repeated and emphasized which gives clues about what the author really wants the reader to understand.


 

Catcher in the Rye can either be greatly fond of, or be bashed down by readers who dislike the style that J.D. Salinger uses to describe Holden’s world. Of course, there are readers that are in between, like me. The book uses very colloquial language which at first may seem like an easy book but it takes a lot of interpretation to fully receive the understanding J.D. Salinger is depicting in the scenes that Holden experiences. Personally, I’m not that good at making connections by thinking deeply about a scene so it can be frustrating for me at times to get why that scene is even mentioned. Despite of this, I do, surprisingly appreciate the different style of writing that the author uses (we all know why it’s famous). Salinger, although controversial, he uses cursing only on things that he really wants the reader to focus on and draw attention too. By spotting out them, the reader can perceive what mood Holden is currently in.